I am in good spirit for writing, so the next chapter was finished today.

The battle at Helm´s Deep will start at the end of this chapter. I realized that a little bit more content for this story was needed, otherwise this book as it is supposed to be would be kind of thin. So, you will find some from now on.

To write about battles is the only thing of this story that I do not enjoy to do. However, even if I do not like them, they are a part of LotR, so I´ll be brave.

You´ll find content of Faramir and an entry. One of Gimli for the first time. Content of Aragorn and Legolas. Besides, I introduce two new boys (referring to the moment in the movie with Aragorn and the boy at Helm´s Deep) and added my own version of how it started that elf and dwarf compete during battles. (the count of enemies' thing)

Enjoy.

Together we stand or fall

Faramir sat at the edge of the scenery. His brother inspects their unit with a stern face, as he always does. The young ranger was able to persuade Boromir that one of themwas enough for that task. His bow and quiver laid next to him in the uncommon case someone needed some practice in archery. Additionally, these items reminded him on Henneth Annûn, the hideout of the Ithilien Rangers and for him a place where he could escape the fighting. Indeed, here they planned their next steps, including assaults but it was more pleasant to be there than at Minas Tirith. Another feature that Finduilas passed to her son was the love for nature and waters. The younger one has to think about his mother very often. It still hurts when his father accused him to be responsible for her death. Worst thing was that he began to believe it. In the past Boromir assured his brother that this was not the case but during recent years the brothers met only occasionally. He should use the time to write another entry. Faramir fetches quill and diary and began:

Isildur's Bane Battle at Helm's Deep

The half Fellowship accompanied King Théoden and his soldiers to the fortress of Helm's Deep. Now we await the arrival of the enemy. I sincerely hope that the war will come to an end soon. For how much longer must innocently people and beasts gives their lives till we stop to fight each other. Still, the hope remains that the light will return. Only my brother will have to find another passion when the peace continues. A thought that makes me smile. Having mentioned this, I guess his little brother will be it. Days that promises good times to come. Or Estel will be favoured by him, in which I would join in too.

He finished his last sentences and stores the book in his pockets again. Then a shadow overlays him and Faramir looks up. He expected to see Boromir but it was King Théoden. "It's been a while since I saw a book in the hands of a soldier," the regent of Rohan said with smile and sat down. The man next to him was completely different from his father. Would Denethor catch him with a book in his hand, a scold would follow, regardless of his age.

"You are right, my Lord," he replies.

"What about its content?" Théoden asks while watching his men and Boromir.

"It is a diary, my Lord," Faramir counters.

"A diary," the king repeats. "You are the younger son of Denethor, is that correct?" the regent continued.

"I am, my Lord," the young ranger responds. "My excuses for not being at the Council but I will be with the assigned unit," he adds. Théoden bows his head slightly, then the king rose to talk with Boromir.

"Sir, may I ask you something?" a voice from behind queries. Faramir turns around to face the one who spoke to him. It was a boy, maybe about ten years old.

The young ranger smiles at him and counters," Of course. May tell me your name?"

His counterpart seems to relax and answers," I am Éloden, Sir. Lord Boromir said that I must practice my ability with the bow whereas I should come to you." Faramir took his bow and gestures Éloden to follow him.

Gimli spend some time without a certain someone but now this very person found him. "This battle will be the first time an elf and dwarf will stand side-by-side," Legolas states.

"Would not have thought that this will ever happen," the dwarf answers. He would never admit it aloud but Legolas was a pleasant companion. If he would only stop to challenge him. The elf still believed he stand a chance against him. Only his elvish dreams. "Will we have contact with the enemy? Cause I won't draw my axe from afar," the dwarf declares. Legolas deliberately waits with his answer. The elf tries to provoke him but he won't succeed this time. Gimli focused on his axe that his annoyed gaze was not to be seen.

Legolas regards him, a smile forming on his face. "My congrats. You mustered patience," the elf adds. "A dwarf is needed at the outer walls. He will be at the elf's left side. May he should consider to draw his axe but I do hope there will be no need for such a thing," Legolas informs him and left.

Aragorn revealed the evenstar given to him by Arwen to hold it. From the first moment he saw her, Estel fell in love with the daughter of Elrond. When Arwen returned his love and became his maiden, Aragorn was most fortunate. He did miss her but Estel can't return before destiny is not fulfilled. Back at Lothórien he asked Lady Galadriel whether she could pass Barahir´s Ring in to Arwen. He should had done it when the Fellowship departed but he hasn't earned Boromir's trust by that time. After the Captain General accepted him for what he is and promised to aid him, Aragorn decided to see Galadriel to ask her for that one favour, to give Arwen his ring. All around him Rohan prepares itself for the war to come. He sat on the stairs with the evenstar still in his hand. Arwen will wait for him and he would await her. Once they prevail against the evil, all of them could live in peace. By the time he is King of Gondor, Aragorn will retain it as long as possible. Rohan hopefully agrees to be a closer ally and the Shire will become a place where it is forbidden for men to go to. He fears for Frodo and Sam but suchlike brave hobbits as they are will accomplish the task to destroy the ring. Meanwhile, the men of the West start the battle against Sauron's forces. After he supported Rohan, Aragorn proceeds to Gondor's aid. Estel let go of Arwen's evenstar and caught sight of a young man, who regards the sword in his hand. Aragorn goes over to him and carefully took the weapon out of his grasp. "A fine sword you here," Aragorn says addressed to him. "Would you tell me your name?" he then asks him.

"Élden, Sir. I am allocated to your unit and my brother Éloden is with the archers. Though he does not have handled the bow often," the boy answers. Élden does not mention it aloud but he is worried about the well-being of his brother, so far Aragorn could tell.

"We still have some spare time. They won't come before sunset. Come with me, we will look after your brother," Aragorn replies and a shy smile formed on Élden's face. Éloden was already to be found on the training grounds in company of a good friend. Faramir was with Élden's brother what causes Aragorn to smile.

"Sir. Do you know that man?" his young companion queries.

"I do Élden and your brother could not be in better hands. This is Faramir a good friend of mine and a man of ability with the bow," he responds.

"May I go to my brother for a short moment?" Élden asks him for consent. Aragorn nods and the boy left to reunite with his brother. Éloden turns around and realizing it his brother embraces Élden.

"So, Boromir let you escape his attention," he states.

Faramir chuckles and after adjusting his quiver answers," I cannot believe it either but indeed I was able to convince him that he would be sufficient to instruct our unit." Élden and Éloden listened to their short conversation.

"Does that mean you have a brother, Sir?" questions Éloden.

"I do Éloden. Lord Boromir is my older brother," Faramir counters. "It is fine to call me Sir. My title never was important to me," the younger son of the Steward adds and Éloden became relaxed again.

"Sir, I am ready," declares Élden and Èloden simultaneously bows his head in agreement.

At dawn after their scout announced the coming of the enemy, all units took their posts. Legolas stood together with Gimli on their allocated spot. He knew that the dwarf did see nothing at all because Gimli was too short but his companion would never admit it. "I could lift you," the elf suggests with a smile.

"An offer I do not need to accept," Gimli states. The archers had cocked their bows and Legolas followed their example. He noticed the short wordless exchange between Faramir and Boromir. Both armies waited for the other to begin. "So, Aragorn is a Dúnedain," the dwarf states. The prince remained silent. "How old does that make him?" Gimli questions.

"He is about my age in men years," Legolas replies.

"Do you honestly think I would know your age," counters the dwarf and again a smile formed on the face of the elf. "Cause I don't," Gimli continues. The dwarf looked at him," Elf speak. You made me curious." The prince still stayed silent and chose a target for his first arrow. "I will definitely repeat that question of mine after battle," Gimli declares and grabs his axe.

"And I will answer if more enemies go on your count than mine," Legolas replies.

"Deal," the dwarf responds and through a quick glance at Gimli he recognizes the sparkles in the eyes of his companion. Then one of their archers accidentally fired his arrow to early what enticed the enemy to begin with their attack.

After Legolas received the agreed sign, he looses his arrow. "One," he reckons loud enough for Gimli to hear.

"It hasn't started yet! This one does not count," the dwarf protests.

"Two," continues Legolas when the next arrow brought one orc to the fall. He received a grumpy view of Gimli. Then the enemy starts to attach ladders to the outer wall and the brave Defenders were forced to start with the melee.

"Finally!" the dwarf exclaims and wields his axe.